My Favorite Things: My Bread Cookbook

Last year, I was inspired by Oprah's "Favorite Things" to do a series of posts with some of my favorite food and cooking-related gift items.  Since the posts were pretty popular last year, I thought I'd continue the tradition.  Of course, I can't hand out free items like Oprah can, but hopefully I can inspire a few gifts for the foodies and entertainers in your life.  Enjoy!

Awhile ago, I acquired the book, My Bread by Jim Lahey.  For those not in the know, Jim is the guy that pioneered the No-Knead Bread movement when his original recipe was published by the New York Times.  The recipe, which turns out a crusty chewy artisan loaf with the minimum of work, was an instant sensation.  There have been hundreds of new recipes produced by others based on the method since then.

This book is great for someone who already likes to cook or bake who may not have thought they could produce a great loaf of yeast bread.  You'll surprise yourself with Jim's no-knead recipe and your friends and family will be in awe.  My personal favorite is his No-Knead Ciabatta variation.

Incidentally, this book would be great paired with a Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, which is the secret to getting that perfect crackling crust.

My Favorite Things: Reusable Tote Bags as Gift Bags

Last year, I was inspired by Oprah's "Favorite Things" to do a series of posts with some of my favorite food and cooking-related gift items.  Since the posts were pretty popular last year, I thought I'd continue the tradition.  Of course, I can't hand out free items like Oprah can, but hopefully I can inspire a few gifts for the foodies and entertainers in your life.  Enjoy!

I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a thoughtfully-wrapped gift.  If I had my way, the gifts under my Christmas Tree would be color coordinated in no more than three complementary wrapping papers with coordinated bows.  Alas, lots of people like the convenience of gift bags.  The problem with gift bags is that they're quite expensive and, for the most part, are bad for the environment (they usually can't be recycled).  Sure, you can try to reuse them, but I know I never seem to have one that's for the right holiday, is the right color, or the right size when I need it.

I recently received the holiday Oriental Trading catalog and ran across these reusable tote bags.  They're nearly identical to the ones sold at the grocery store except they have no logos on them.  At $30 for 50 bags, they're a fraction of the cost of paper gift bags and your friend or family member will be able to re-use them for shopping, re-gifting, or just about anything.  It's the gift that carries a gift!  I suppose if you're crafty, you could bedazzle them with fabric paint and other items and really dress them up and personalize them.